About Sentencing

Introduction to Sentencing

An overview of how sentencing fits into the wider court procedure in Scotland

What the Law Says

Information on the legislation surrounding sentencing, including maximum levels available in different courts

Sentences and Appeals

The different sentences available, when they can be used and what they mean

Prison sentences

Find out how prison sentences work and about the different determinate and indeterminate sentences


Community payback orders

There are nine different requirements that can be given as part of a Community payback order and the judge will decide which ones to include.

Education resources

As part of the Scottish Sentencing Council’s work to promote awareness and understanding of sentencing, a series of educational resources for Modern Studies teachers has been developed

Research and Engagement

This page contains details on the Council's calls for research, the Council's research publications and external sentencing resources.

Interactive scenarios

Interactive court scenarios following realistic cases - asking you to decide the sentences, if you were the judge

Guideline judgements

Decisions in cases that give guidance to other judges about the appropriate sentence to use in similar types of cases are known as guideline judgments.